Benefits of Aromatherapy Face and Body Treatments

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote health and typically relaxation, although the oils can also be used to stimulate the senses to leave the client feeling energized and ready to take on the day.

When combined with a facial or body treatment, the combination of the treatment with the many benefits of the essential oil can have a large positive impact on a person’s health and well being.

​The first thing you should ask your massage therapist is whether they are going to use essential oils (also known as volatile oils) or fragrance oils. The fragrance oils smell lovely but they’re generally synthetic and they don’t come with the same benefits that an essential oil can give you.

​Essential oils are derived from some part of a plant (the fruit, stem, leaves, flowers, seeds or roots; often a combination of these are used.) and careful distillation must be performed using very specific equipment, heat and pressure. (There is also pressing or cold extraction for producing essential oils.)

​If you visit a spa with aromatherapy treatments you’ll usually find the most popular option; a body scrub, which is sometimes referred to as a body polish. You’ll find yourself in your room with a sheet and thin plastic covering over the massage table. Laying face down on the table, you’ll have a blend of sea salt, essential oils and possible other aromatics rubbed into your skin. Your skin will be exfoliated by the sea salt and the room will be scented by the essential oils and aromatics.

Once that part of the treatment has been done (usually it takes about 10 to 15 minutes), you’ll have the chance to hop into the shower to rinse the salt and any plant matter off. The key is to rinse off without using soap or some type of abrasive. If you dry off you’ll want to pat instead of rub. The oil that’s left will not only moisturize your skin but absorb and treat it, depending on the oil you’ve picked. ​Once you’ve had a chance to rinse off, you’ll head back to the massage table for a gentle massage during which the therapist will use a beautiful moisturizing body cream or lotion. Since the whole process is about relaxation and enjoyment, your massage will typically consist of a Swedish or regular massage, and not something that targets specific muscles or with the hard pressure a deep tissue massage would necessitate.

If you’d like a facial aromatherapy treatment it’s another wonderful option to leave you feeling refreshed and stress free. The skin on your face will be treated to a cleansing to remove any makeup or residual oil or debris. It will then be exfoliated much in the same way that your body is during the body treatment and then rinsed and moisturized.

An aromatherapy facial is a relaxing way to enjoy cleaner, fresher skin on your face and many of the essential oils can actually help reduce signs of acne, eczema, and psoriasis and help to reduce the appearance of scars and other blemishes. Breathing in your favourite scents can have many different benefits; ​

Lavender or Sandalwood; relaxes and helps to heal many different skin issues including reducing inflammation. Lavender can help to heal burns or wounds and sandalwood is good for increasing proper digestion. For a massage that will almost put you to sleep and let you shrug off the stresses of the day, lavender or sandalwood are both good choices.

If you’d like a facial that energizes you and improves your mood, try bergamot or one of the citrus oils. If you find lemon, lime or orange too strong, try gentler citrus oils like grapefruit, lemongrass or mandarin. A facial or body treatment with citrus oils will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.If you’re suffering from a cold or congestion, a facial with Peppermint or Eucalyptus can be just the ticket to easier breathing and clearing you sinuses. During a body massage peppermint can have a lovely cooling effect on sore and aching muscles and joints.

​Whether you enjoy an aromatherapy body treatment or an aromatherapy face treatment, you’ll feel better, look better and be wrapped in the scent of your choice for the whole day.

​Article by Sam Socorro, a guest writer from Steam Shower Store. Sam is a specialist writer and has extensive knowledge in everything related to steam showers, saunas and hydrotherapy benefits.

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